The “Poker Face” series charms with the murder-solving abilities of its female protagonist. The lead character of Charlie Cale in this series is played by the charming Natasha Lyonne.
It is the latest whodunit mystery series from the creator of famous whodunit movies, Rian Jhonson.
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Synopsis of the Poker Face (2023) Series
Poker Face show is a 10-episode ‘mystery-of-the-week’ series following Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. She hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and with every stop encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve.
Spoiler-free brief review of the Poker Face (2023) Series
The introduction
Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) has an uncanny ability to spot the bullshit lies spoken by the liars in it. This amazing ability of Charlie helps her to get out of trouble as well as solve the murder mysteries. This happens in each episode of this drama series. She effortlessly identifies the killer(s), while maintaining her Poker Face.
We loved this collaboration between Rian and Natasha
When director Rian Jhonson collaborated with actress Natasha Lyonne for this murder mystery series, the results were impressive, indeed. Natasha has effortlessly slipped into the role of super-confident and super-smart Charlie. In this whodunit show, Charlie can detect lies easily and even figure out the murderers hiding in plain sight.
Charlie’s gift – a gift or a curse?
Honestly, we do not know whether Charlie’s gifts are blessings or a curse. More often than not, this rare lie-detecting ability of hers puts her in dangerous and life-threatening situations. And this happens many times in this show. You watch it and if you figure it out, okay. We think that her gift of the poker face is going to entertain us in future too.
The conclusion
We loved the entire first season of this entertaining and mysterious crime show. Honestly, we enjoyed this whodunit show tremendously. And we loved some of its episodes much more than others. This thrilling show is fun to watch. And fit for the marathon watch on any holiday. Now, we look forward to its second season.
Ratings of the Poker Face (2023) Series
| FM’s rating | 4.05/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of the date | 99% Tomatometer & 80% Audience Score |
| Critics Consensus / Rotten Tomatoes | With the incomparable Natasha Lyonne as an ace up its sleeve, this show is a puzzle box of modest ambitions working with a full deck. |
Spoilers Alert – about its storytelling & peek into its 10 episodes
The unique storytelling style of this 2023 crime show
The unique storytelling style
While running away from the casino, Charlie makes a pit stop at different places in the USA. During those times, Charlie usually meets the murder victim(s)/accused(s) before the incident. When you are watching this mystery show, you will realize that most of its episodes begin with a murder. Meanwhile Charlie – the lead character is not shown to us – the viewers.
After a murder has taken place. Then, it usually goes back in time (flashback!) to show how Charlie is part of the whodunit story. Thereafter, we are shown that Charlie was part of the bigger picture when the murder took place in this series. This adds depth and a much-needed background story to the basic storyline in each episode.
Peek into each of the ten episodes of this crime show
Read the synopsis of each episode here. You can also check out the YouTube links shared below to further learn about its mysterious scenes.
Dead Man’s Hand (S1, E1)
When a close friend of hers meets an untimely end, Charlie Cale, a casino cocktail waitress with an uncanny knack for identifying lies, is determined to unravel these mysterious events — even if it endangers her own life.
Altercation scene between actors - Natasha Lyonne (Charlie) & Adrian Brody (Episode 1 - the YouTube link)
The Night Shift (S1, E2)
Wounded and on the run, Charlie is forced to make a pit stop in desolate New Mexico, where she tries to clear the name of a trucker framed for the murder of a local.
Charlie Solving A Ruthless Lottery-Winner Murder Case (Episode 2 - the YouTube link)
Episode 2 | Charlie Solving A Ruthless Lottery-Winner Murder Case
The Stall (S1, E3)
Charlie takes a job at a family-run Texas BBQ joint and must use her perception skills to sniff out the truth behind a shocking death.
Does Charlie Suspect the Victim's Brother? (Episode 3 - the YouTube link)
Rest in Metal (S1, E4)
Charlie goes on tour with has-been metal band Doxxxology, a motley crew of dejected rockers who’ve spent decades trying to write a new hit; Charlie suspects foul play when one musician winds up dead.
Charlie Looks Into A Dead Drummer, Death Metal, and Lethal Boots (Episode 4 - the YouTube link)
Time of the Monkey (S1, E5)
While working at a retirement home, Charlie makes friends with two rebellious old ladies who may have taken matters into their own hands.
Charlie Confronts A Pair of Unlikely Suspects (Episode 5 - the YouTube link)
Exit Stage Death (S1, E6)
Charlie’s waitress job at a dinner theatre is interrupted by a tragic death onstage during a performance by two washed-up television stars; when she starts to investigate, deadly motivations come to light.
The Future of the Sport (S1, E7)
While working at a go-kart complex, Charlie becomes involved in a bitter feud between an ageing race car driver and a hotheaded young upstart, whose rivalry has explosive consequences.
The Orpheus Syndrome (S1, E8)
A special effects artist unearths a past project to find closure from the guilt of a fatal on-set accident, but when old demons resurface, Charlie is left to unravel a new deadly plot.
Escape from the Shi… Mountain (S1, E9)
Charlie finds herself stranded in a motel during a blizzard, where she must decipher the deadly tension between her questionable companions to survive the night.
Charlie’s Stranded with Human Remains and a Potential Murderer (Episode 9 - the YouTube link)
The Hook (S1, E10)
Charlie faces her greatest challenge yet when she is caught in the crossfire of a deadly power play that puts her in the sights of two ruthless crime syndicates and the FBI.
Poster of the Poker Face (2023) Series
Key details of the Poker Face (2023) Series
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Comedy |
| Creator | Rian Johnson (This is the first TV series that Rian created) |
| Released | 2023 (January – March) |
| Season & Episodes | Season One (1) and Ten (10) episodes Note:- It is a 10-episode “mystery-of-the-week” series. |
| Cast | Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt, Simon Helberg, Adrien Brody, etc. |
| Network | Peacock |
Trailer of the Poker Face (2023) Series
Featured & Other Images: Poker Face | Peacock.
